Ranjana Tharanga, Sri Lanka’s longest-serving national gymnastics coach, has received an Honorary Diploma, becoming the first South Asian gymnast to achieve this recognition from the World Federation of International Gymnastics.
This prestigious honor acknowledges Tharanga’s long-term and exceptional service as an international coach at the world level. The Honorary Diploma was granted by the Federation of International Gymnastics, focusing on four main categories.
Coaches are eligible for the FIG Honorary Coaches Diploma if they have participated as a national or personal coach in major events such as the Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, World Games, World Championships (Senior or Junior).
“It’s a huge achievement in my life,” expressed Sri Lanka’s National Gymnastics Coach, Ranjana Tharanga.
Under his wing, Nadila Nethviru, an 18-year-old gymnast, made history at the recent Asian Games in China by securing 71 points, qualifying for the finals. His accomplishment marked the first time a gymnast from Sri Lanka had entered the finals in the history of the Asian Games.
“It’s a significant achievement since Nadila’s debut in senior international competition. Even India’s top gymnast scored only 73 points in the last Asian Games,” stated Tharanga, who is working with Nadila with an eye on securing a slot for the Paris Olympics next year.
The process for the coach to qualify for this prestigious recognition mandates nomination by the National Federation, supported by documentation as proof of participation in the mentioned competitions.
“Having fulfilled all the necessary categories, Ranjana Tharanga has now become a world-recognized gymnastics consultant,” affirmed Parliamentarian Premanath C Dolawatte, the President of Sri Lanka Gymnastics Association.
“As the President of the Sri Lanka Gymnastics Association, I extend my warmest congratulations to him,” said Parliamentarian Dolawatte during a parliamentary session.
“In times of crisis in Sri Lankan sports, having consultants of this stature in the country is crucial,” MP Dolawatte emphasized in Parliament.
